Bao Vinh Ancient Town in Hue: A-Z Visitor Experience (2025)

Hue, a poetic city with unique beauty. From massive architectural structures to romantic landscapes. In particular, Bao Vinh Old Town It is a precious gem that embodies the tranquility and poetry of Hue. Join Queen Cafe Bus to learn more about this destination in the article below!

1. Where is Bao Vinh Ancient Town in Hue? Overview

Bao Vinh Old Town Located in Quang Dien Ward, Hue City (formerly Huong Vinh Commune, Huong Tra District, Thua Thien-Hue Province), just 3 km north of the city center. 

This was once the largest port in the southern region of Vietnam throughout the 17th and 19th centuries, where many Japanese, Chinese, Malay, Indian, and other merchant ships docked. It was a place of diverse trade in goods such as textiles, ceramics, jewelry, and more.

Today, after more than 200 years, Bao Vinh Old Town It still retains its ancient beauty, solemn yet full of uniqueness. No longer bustling as in centuries past, this place now takes on a peaceful and tranquil appearance. 

In stark contrast to the bustling city center, the unique architectural feature of Bao Vinh Hue's ancient town is its moss-covered tiled roofs, a blend of traditional three-bay houses and French architectural style. Every day, as dusk falls, visitors can see the soft sunlight covering the town, creating a romantic and poetic scene.

2. Directions for the most convenient travel to Hue and Bao Vinh Old Town.

2.1. How to get to Hue city?

Your journey to the ancient capital will be complete when you have a comfortable start. From Hanoi, Hoi An, or Da Nang, choosing Queen Cafe Bus's sleeper limousine will help you arrive in Hue in the most relaxing way possible. You can rest throughout the trip, ready for the wonderful experiences awaiting you in the ancient town of Bao Vinh and other destinations.

Check out our price list for popular routes to Hue:

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2.2. From Hue city center to Bao Vinh Old Town

Bao Vinh Hue Ancient Town is located about 3km northwest of the city center. To get there, visitors can travel by the following means:

• By road: Starting from the center of Hue, passing through Truong Tien BridgeTurn right onto Tran Hung Dao Street, then left onto Huynh Thuc Khang Street, following Dong Ba River. Continue to the end of Dao Duy Anh Street, which leads to the ancient town of Bao Vinh.
• By water: Tourists can board a boat and cruise down the Dong Ba River, enjoying a leisurely ride on Perfume River You will see the ancient town of Bao Vinh appear with a beauty reminiscent of Hoi An. Behind it are clear blue waters, and in the distance are Thanh Tien village, known for its paper flowers, and Sinh village, known for its folk paintings. When the boat docks, a short walk will take you there.

3. Description of Bao Vinh Old Town and the golden age of the trading port

Bao Vinh Old Town is one of the golden features of Imperial City of HueOriginally a street within the Thanh Ha port trading chain, this place quickly became a bustling trading port in the Central Vietnam region at that time. Formed in the 17th century, the ancient street of Vinh Hue quickly attracted merchants from China, Japan, Malaysia, India, and other countries to trade. Popular goods at the time included fabrics, ceramics, and spices.

During the period of resistance against France, Bao Vinh Old Town It was severely damaged by the war. This has somewhat affected the original state of the old town. The Bao Vinh trading port was also severely damaged. Since then, the craft villages have gradually diminished and faded away. The people have made great efforts to preserve the old town. As a result, the architectural features, houses, and streets still retain their distinctive classical features.

Over the course of 200 years, the ancient town of Bao Vinh Hue has become a living witness to history. Although it is no longer a bustling town, it remains a tourist destination Hue attracts a large number of domestic and international visitors.

4. What to do in Bao Vinh Old Town? Top 5 experiences you can't miss

4.1. Check-in at Bao Vinh Mắt Biếc Old Town at the coffee shop of the same name

When you arrive Bao Vinh Old Town Visitors can't help but stop by Mắt Biếc Coffee Shop—a nostalgic space inspired by the famous film of the same name by director Victor Vũ. Located at 66 Bao Vinh Street, Mắt Biếc quickly became a favorite destination for young people exploring Hue. Especially the area in front of the shop – an ideal place to gather, chat, and take "check-in" photos imbued with the essence of time.

Not just a place to enjoy drinks, Mắt Biếc café is also a meeting place, a place for sharing, where many young people come to chat or strum sweet melodies on the guitar – making it feel like a small, romantic corner in the heart of old Hue.

4.2. Visit the ancient Bao Vinh Village Temple

A place that tourists must visit when coming to the ancient town of Bao Vinh is Bao Vinh Village HallThis is a structure deeply imbued with the long-standing cultural heritage of the ancient capital region. Although its exact date of construction is unknown, the communal house is a place of worship for the founder of the Pham clan and also serves as a community gathering place closely tied to the lives of generations of villagers.

In particular, on the 7th day of the 12th lunar month every year, local people gather here to offer incense and perform rituals in a solemn memorial ceremony, expressing their gratitude to their ancestors and their appreciation for their contributions.

The temple exudes the distinct beauty of ancient feudalism, with layers of moss covering the tiled roof, faded screens, and old bronze urns... All of this creates a solemn, nostalgic space, as if taking us back to the past, listening to stories steeped in time. 

4.3. Strolling through the market in the ancient town of Bao Vinh, rich in local character

Once you set foot in the ancient town of Bao Vinh Hue, you must visit Bao Vinh MarketAlthough it occupies only a small corner of the bustling old quarter, this is a place that preserves the traditional lifestyle and spirit of a once-thriving port city. 

Unlike modern markets, Bao Vinh Market has a simple, peaceful beauty, with small stalls and few visitors, yet it still offers all the essential goods. The market is a trading point for people from villages across the river, such as Tien Non, Sinh, Phu Mauwhere the women carry baskets of vegetables, fresh flowers, and local produce to trade.

When you visit Bao Vinh Market, you not only shop but also experience the slow pace of life, listen to the warm laughter, and admire the ancient roofs stained with the passage of time. Today, the Bao Vinh Market area has become more vibrant, with a modern look but still retaining some of its old charm. Bao Vinh Market is the ideal place to take photos and capture nostalgic moments, especially in the early morning or late afternoon when the sun paints the streets golden.

4.4. Finding tranquility at the 200-year-old Thien Giang Temple in the ancient town of Bao Vinh

If visitors have come Bao Vinh Old Town If you are seeking a peaceful and tranquil place, Thien Giang Temple is the most suitable destination. Despite its proximity to Bao Vinh Market, the temple maintains its serenity, unaffected by the bustling pace of life outside.

The temple was built during the reign of King Minh Mang (around 1838), featuring an architectural style reminiscent of the Ly and Tran dynasties, rich in traditional Vietnamese elements. The main gate faces east, with a picturesque river in front and a lush garden behind, shaded by bodhi trees and red frangipani trees.

The temple still preserves a terracotta Buddha statue with a distinctly Vietnamese face, along with an ancient bell engraved with the words "Gia Long nhị niên" (1803) – evidence of the temple's deep historical roots. During the 1946 resistance war, the temple suffered damage. As a result, it lost many royal decrees and valuable artifacts.

5. Tips and things to keep in mind when traveling to Bao Vinh Old Town

5.1. When is the best time to visit Bao Vinh Old Town?

The ideal time to visit Bao Vinh Old Town is during the dry season, from April to September each yearThis is when the weather in Hue is sunny and dry, with little rain, making it ideal for exploring the ancient streets on foot, taking photos, and experiencing the local culture. If you prefer a cool, crisp atmosphere, then spring (January–March) It is also an excellent choice for experiencing the quiet beauty of the old town.

Early morning or late afternoon It is the ideal time of day for photography, when soft light covers the mossy roofs and the romantic Dong Ba River. You can completely immerse yourself in the golden sunlight that covers every nook and cranny of the old town, or feel the fresh air and tranquility among the rural markets.

5.2. What to eat near Bao Vinh Old Town?

When visiting Bao Vinh Old TownNot only can you immerse yourself in a nostalgic atmosphere, but you also have the opportunity to enjoy authentic Hue specialties. Check out some of the dishes below:

• Huế beef noodles: This is a famous dish of Hue with rich broth, thick soft noodles, served with pork rolls, pig's trotters, and fresh herbs. Visitors can fully experience it at small restaurants near Bao Vinh Market or in the old quarter.
• Steamed rice flour cakes, sticky rice cakes, and rice flour pancakes: These are traditional Hue cakes with thin crusts and shrimp and pork fillings, served with sweet and sour fish sauce. Visitors can easily find these cakes at Bao Vinh Market in the morning.
• Grilled pork rolls and Hue pressed cakes: Grilled pork skewers with a fragrant aroma, served with fresh vegetables and a special dipping sauce, are an unforgettable specialty of Hue. Crispy pressed cakes filled with meat or eggs, dipped in a sweet and spicy fish sauce, are a favorite dish among many tourists.
• Rice with clams and rice noodles with clams: A simple yet flavorful Hue dish featuring stir-fried clams, aromatic herbs, pork rinds, and hot clam broth. Visitors can find this dish at family-run eateries around Bao Vinh Market.
• Mắt Biếc Coffee or Mạ's House: After eating and drinking, you can visit cafes with a retro style to relax, chat, and take pictures.

5.3. Suggested itinerary for a half-day tour of Bao Vinh Old Town

If you only have about half a day to visit Bao Vinh Old Town Don't worry too much. Here is a half-day itinerary for exploring the old town at your leisure:

• 7:30 AM – Departure: Starting from Hue city center, travel by motorbike, taxi, or boat along Dong Ba River to reach Bao Vinh. Along the way, you can enjoy the river scenery and visit riverside craft villages such as Thanh Tien and Sinh Village.

• 8:00 AM – Stop by Bao Vinh Market: This is the perfect time to stroll around the rustic country market, enjoying breakfast dishes such as steamed rice cakes, snail noodles, and sticky rice cakes. Chat with the locals and experience the slow pace of life in the ancient town.

• 9:00 AM – Visit Bao Vinh Village Hall & Thien Giang Temple: This is a must-visit destination for those who enjoy exploring ancient feudal architecture, learning about the founding patriarch of the Pham clan, and discovering the spiritual culture of the people of Hue. Thien Giang Tu Pagoda offers a serene atmosphere, perfect for meditation and photography.

• 10:00 a.m. – Relax at Mắt Biếc Coffee Shop: Enjoy tea or coffee, listen to the guitar if you're lucky enough to encounter a group of young musicians performing.

• 11:00 a.m. – Visit the ancient house of Mr. Le Quang Chat: This is one of the few ancient houses that remain intact, bearing the distinctive architectural mark of old Hue. Learning about the history of the ancient town and the everyday stories of the local people is a memorable experience for visitors.

To ensure the best experience for your trip, don't forget to pack the following essential items:

• Bring a fully charged camera or phone to take pictures.
• Wear light, elegant clothing—an ao dai or vintage outfit would be perfect for the setting.
• If you go in the summer, you should bring a straw hat or umbrella to protect yourself from the sun.

Whether you're a history buff, a photography enthusiast, or simply seeking a quiet moment in the heart of the ancient capital, then Bao Vinh Old Town It will surely touch your heart with its captivating, nostalgic beauty. This is not just a tourist attraction, but also a place that preserves the golden memories of centuries past—a space that leaves an unforgettable impression on anyone who visits.